Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by loss of B cell tolerance and by the presence of polyclonal B cell activation. Syndecan-1 (CD138) is expressed on plasma cells derived from B cells, and is suspected to play a role in SLE. We evaluated the level of soluble CD138 (sCD138) and cell surface expression of CD138 in patients with active SLE, and also examined correlations among the serum levels of BAFF, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and CD138 in these patients.
Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 22 SLE patients in an active disease state and 14 normal controls. The levels of serum sCD138, sBAFF, and sAPRIL were measured using ELISA, and cell surface CD138 was analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of CD138 mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR. Blood samples were obtained longitudinally when the patients were in an inactive disease state.
Results: The levels of circulating CD138, CD138 mRNA in PBMC, and the numbers of CD20(- )CD38(+)CD138(+) plasma cells were increased in patients with active SLE in comparison with normal controls. Furthermore, the serum sCD138 level in SLE patients was found to correlate with the proportion of CD20(- )CD38(+)CD138(+) plasma cells. On the other hand, patients with active SLE showed a reduced level of sCD138, and this was inversely correlated with the serum level of sAPRIL.
Conclusions: These results suggest that sCD138 may be applicable as a surrogate marker of disease activity, and that syndecan-1/APRIL signaling may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with active SLE.